Help Restore Stony Creek
Stony Creek at Duke Street borders critically endangered grassland remnants at Matthews Hill Reserve and Braybrook Grassland in the Sunshine Linear Reserve. Better care of the creek would help protect this habitat and strengthen the ecological connection between the grasslands.
All Kids Junior Landcare is advocating for this section after observing litter, persistent odour, invasive weeds, poor water condition and inadequate maintenance affecting the creek and surrounding habitat.
Building on Earlier Advocacy
All Kids Junior Landcare builds on the work of earlier advocates and researchers. In 2018, Tony Smith identified litter and poor water quality where lower Stony Creek emerges from central Sunshine's drains and called for wetland treatment. In 2021, Penny Rabarts reported rubbish accumulating at Matthews Hill. RMIT's 2022 research identified the litter hotspot and recommended assessing options for a litter trap.
We acknowledge everyone who has spoken up for and cared for Stony Creek. Our petition renews these longstanding calls for action.
Read the earlier advocacy, reporting and research for Duke Street and Matthews Hill
Cruickshank Park
Stony Creek at Cruickshank Park has benefited from years of native planting, rehabilitation and community care, including the work of Friends of Stony Creek and Friends of Cruickshank Park. Duke Street deserves the same commitment to habitat restoration and ongoing care.
Upper Stony Creek Wetlands
On 26 October 2026, we visited Upper Stony Creek wetlands in Sunshine North. It was a lovely place to stop on our ride, with open water, native planting and waterbirds.
Stony Creek at Duke Street
At Duke Street, we have documented litter, persistent odour and poor creek conditions.
18 October 2026
We photographed visible litter here on the same day as our visit to Cruickshank Park.
After the Rain — 26 October 2026
These photographs of Stony Creek were taken on 26 October 2026, following heavy rain the previous day. They show litter caught in creekside vegetation.
The creek had overflowed and nearby ground remained flooded.
The Same Care for Duke Street
Upper Stony Creek wetlands and the restored creek near Cruickshank Park show what investment in habitat and public access can achieve. We want the same care for Stony Creek at Duke Street, between Matthews Hill Reserve and Braybrook Grassland, where we have documented litter, persistent odour and poor conditions.
What the Petition Asks
The petition asks Melbourne Water, Maribyrnong City Council and Brimbank City Council to work together to:
- clean up this section of Stony Creek;
- investigate and address the sources of pollution, litter and odour;
- assess and appropriately manage invasive weeds obstructing the creek;
- improve ongoing care and maintenance; and
- strengthen ecological connectivity between the critically endangered grassland remnants at Matthews Hill Reserve and Braybrook Grassland.
Petition Progress
The local community signed the petition by hand, including volunteers from local groups.
Maribyrnong City Council unanimously voted to receive and note the petition and refer it to the appropriate directorate for a response.
The Minister for Water has now responded to the question raised in the Victorian Parliament by Mr David Ettershank MP. On 29 October 2026, we will meet at the creek with Mr Ettershank and a representative from Melbourne Water to discuss the site and next steps.
Read the Minister for Water's response on the Victorian Parliament website
How Waterwatch Led to Action
Chris and Lennon's Waterwatch training with Melbourne Water and volunteering since 2022 helped them understand indicators of waterway health and how surrounding catchments affect creeks. When they encountered this section of Stony Creek, they applied that earlier learning to a new place.
They photographed and recorded conditions, researched reports and plans, considered the responsibilities of different agencies and spoke with people who use and care for the creek. Because young volunteers could not safely investigate or clean the creek themselves, they used a petition to ask the responsible organisations to investigate and act.
Read how this advocacy grew from our wider Landcare and Waterwatch learning